Grietje Bakker
1923-2022
Bakker, Grietje
Our dear mother, Grietje Bruinsma Bakker, passed away at The
Elliott Community on Friday, October 7th, 2022,
while in her 100th year. Grietje was
the beloved wife of and constant support to Rein Bakker (deceased
2018) for over 72 years.
Grietje was a loving and encouraging Mem (mother) to her
children: Lucy Hengeveld, Janey Davis (Robert), Willi van der Woude
(Ron Wrigley), Mary Ann Bakker (George VanderGaast), Alice Kuiper
(Mark) and Sid Bakker (Brigitte Mausser). She was
predeceased by an infant son, Sipke and by two sons-in-law, Bernie
Hengeveld and Wim van der Woude.
She was a proud and loving Beppe (Grandmother) to her
grandchildren: Ryan and Susan, Diana and Brad, Martin and
Anne, Michael and Lidia, Jennifer and David, Kirt and Martina, Rebecca
and Anthony, Sarah and Nathan, Karina and Nathan, ShariAnn, Carolyn
and Ben and Zachary and Jessica. The added blessings of
nineteen greatgrandchildren made her joy complete.
Grietje was born in Arum, Fryslan, the Netherlands.
A middle child in a family of eleven children, she was the last
surviving member of her family. As a young woman, she met
the love of her life, Rein Bakker. Although their
relationship flourished, the events of World War II and
Rein’s involvement with the Resistance delayed their
marriage until 1946. While residing in the Netherlands they
were blessed with 2 children. Prior to their immigration to
Canada, they suffered the death of their first son. They
arrived in Canada in 1949 and were later blessed with 5 more
children.
Grietje had an inner tenacity, a beautiful smile that reached
her eyes and a good sense of humour. She was an excellent
seamstress, did considerable needlepoint and knitting, faithfully and
joyfully sang in the church choir for many years, enjoyed travelling
often and far with Rein and especially loved walking on sandy beaches;
however, her family was always her priority.
Grietje had a strong faith in God and credited Him with the
strength He provided her to raise her family through the many times
when her husband was ill. She was an encourager.
She was constantly in prayer for her children and their children and
pointed them towards Jesus for their salvation.
In February of 2016, Grietje and Rein were separated when he
entered long term care at The Elliott Community of Guelph.
Grietje moved into retirement living at The Elliott later the same
year. She mourned her inability to care for him as she had
done for many times before when he was ill; but her own health did not
allow her to continue to do so. Even with their separation
and poor health, together they agreed that they had had a good life
and were thankful for it.
After Rein died in 2018, our mother still had many good and
wonderful experiences, but over time her health declined. We
rejoice for her in her passing. She was looking forward to a
Wonderful Celebration in the presence of her Lord and a reunion with
her love, Rein. We will truly miss her presence in our
lives, but are grateful for the gift she was to us, her “precious
jewels”.
Our hearts are full of gratitude to staff at The Elliott
Community, for laughing with her, encouraging her when needed and
showing loving, compassionate care right to the end. We are
also grateful for the love and compassion they showed to the members
of our family who stayed with Mom during her last days.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 15,
2022 from 12:00 noon – 1 p.m. at Water Street
Church, 287 Water Street, Guelph. A Memorial
Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Reception following the
service. A private family interment will take place at
Woodlawn Memorial Park at an earlier time. Funeral arrangements have
been entrusted to Gilchrist Chapel – McIntyre &
Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph.
If anyone should wish to give a gift in memory of our mother,
we would encourage you to consider The Elliott Community. We invite
you to leave your memories and donations at www.gilchristchapel.com
and they will be forwarded to the family.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Grietje Bakker 19232022..
Death notice for the town of: Guelph, Province: Ontario